Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was created in China thousands of years ago. It is based on the theory that disease and illness manifest in the body when the qi (a substance that nourishes and builds the body) is blocked or not flowing properly in the channels and meridians of the body. Acupuncture is one of the most well known treatment modalities in TCM. Acupuncture utilizes very fine, stainless steel, sterile, single use needles on specific acupuncture points on the body. There are over one thousand known acupuncture points. The existence and location of the points has been proven by modern science.

According to TCM theory, acupuncture (and the other TCM treatment modalities) adjust and restore the flow of qi in the body, resulting in optimal health and performance. A customized differential diagnosis is made for each patient based on TCM theory which aims to treat the root cause of an issue.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health (NIH): Review on Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine It is important to understand what is meant by the word ‘health’. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”NIH Consensus of Acupuncture reported in 1997 that “studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses, mediated mainly by sensory neurons to many structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to activation of pathways affecting various physiological systems in the brain as well as in the periphery. Acupuncture may also activate the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and changes in the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally have been documented. There is also evidence of alterations in immune functions produced by acupuncture.”

Pediatrics

Shonishin

A practice that originated in Japan to treat children and sensitive adults. Smooth metal tools are used to lightly brush the skin and harmonize qi flow to the body.